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Individual technique will determine the suspension quantity and concentration to be used.

Patient Preparation

Successful examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract requires that the stomach be empty and essentially free of fluid. This can usually be accomplished by instructing the patient to abstain from eating or drinking anything after the evening meal before the examination. The preparation for small bowel examinations done separately or combined with an upper gastrointestinal series is the same.

For examinations of the colon, the patient should be given a low solid diet for a minimum of 24 hours before the examination. Laxatives should also be used to clean the colon. In order to obtain thorough cleansing of the colon, a 2 liter water enema one hour before the examination may be necessary.

Administration

Orally administered suspension may be served chilled for more rapid transit from the stomach into the small bowel. Rectally administered suspension should be at room temperature to body temperature.

Suspension Preparation

Barosperse will form stable suspensions when shaken vigorously with water. Add water and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds. Some practitioners prefer to use a blender.

Always shake again just before patient administration.

Suspensions of Barosperse should be used within six (6) hours of preparation. For best results, the Barosperse and the water should be accurately measured.

The following tables will serve as a guide for suspension preparation.

ORAL ADMINISTRATION DILUTION TABLE

Suspension % w/v:

110

95

85

70

60

Concentration % w/w:

60

55

50

45

40

Barosperse Wt.

Water required to prepare suspension (in mLs)

225 gm (8 oz.)

150

185

225

275

335

900 gm

600

735

900

1100

1350

Note: Do not store suspension after mixing; shake vigorously just prior to administration.

Esophagus Swallow Study

Optimum coating is obtained with 2 to 3 teaspoonfuls of a freshly prepared suspension (225 gm Barosperse vigorously mixed with 75 mL of water). For evaluation of distensibility and peristaltic motion use 110% w/v suspension.

Upper Gastrointestinal Series

Initial gastric coating can be accomplished with 75 mL of a 110% w/v suspension. This is followed by 195 mL of a 85% w/v suspension.

Small Bowel Examinations

When done concomitantly with the Upper G.I. Series, the above volumes and concentrations are usually sufficient. However, if desired, an additional 240 mL of 85% w/v suspension may be used. When the small bowel examination is done independently, 240 to 480 mL of 85% w/v suspension may be used.

Note: Do not store suspension after mixing; shake vigorously just prior to administration.

Filled Colon Examination

The usual dose is 2000 mL of a 25% w/v suspension. If low concentration (“see through”) is desired, use 2500 mL of a 17% w/v suspension. (Note: low concentration suspension should be agitated immediately before use.)

RECTAL ADMINISTRATION DILUTION TABLE

Suspension % w/v:

110

35

30

25

20

17

Concentration % w/w:

60

28

23

20

18

15

Barosperse Wt.

Water required to prepare suspension (in mLs)

225 gm (8 oz.)

150

580

755

900

1027

1278

340 gm (12 oz.)

225

875

1140

1360

1550

1925

454 gm (16 oz.)

305

1170

1525

1820

2090

2500

900 gm

600

-

-

-

-

-

Double Contrast Colon Examination

400 mL of 110% w/v suspension is usually adequate for this technique.

Pediatric Use

The quantity of suspension used and the barium sulfate concentration will depend upon patient size, technique used and clinical need.